Sparring with the spar

A spar is a round pole of wood or metal used on a sailing ship. It almost always refers to the mast, however the term can be used for booms, gaffs, and yard arms. Late last fall when we put the boat to rest for the winter we brought home the boom. Years of weathering had taken its toll on our now 25 year old boat. So, it was time for a refit.

The boom has two end caps, one is the out haul casing, the other is the goose neck connecting assembly. As the foot of the sail lies across the top of the boom. The out haul is important as it allows for a flattening of the sail. Taking the "belly" out of the foot of the sail reduces performance. This is great when the winds of March howl across Beaver Lake. During the calmer months of the summer, we slack the out haul to put the "belly" in the sail, increasing draft and improving the sail's performance. Think of a sail as an airplane wing. I know, airplane wings are horizontal and sails are vertical. However, the principal is the same. The more "belly" or draft in the sail the more the sail approximates a wing. When going to weather (sailing towards the wind) the aerofoil affect is most pronounced. That is to say, that the air flowing over the sail creates a lower pressure on the outside of the sail. This essentially, pulls the boat along.

Suffice it say that the boom has not seen such tender loving care as with the exception of a bit of paint, it has likely not been off the boat in 25 years. That's 25 years of corrosion. While most of it is stainless steel, it was still corroded.

I managed to break all but one of the screws holding the end caps on the boom. So today, it's off to my friend Jimmie's shop for a tap and die and some new stainless screws. I've taken most the past few days, sanding and scraping the boom and end caps in preparation for paint. I'm waiting for the 4Th coat of white paint to dry as I write this. My new spar looks pretty good.

As for the end caps. All new hard wear inside. New running rigging (that's rope for you non-sailor types) and the boom should actually be as good as new.

Yesterday, found us with some unusually warm weather for late January. We scooted out to the boat to begin to make lists. Sailing season is just a few weeks away and we needed to start some projects. So we began to measure for a new companion way cover and some other projects. Today seems like spring, with temps approaching 70, it was great day to finish painting with the garage doors OPEN!

Most Secret Order of the Y Chromosome

Shores Lake lies in the valley below White Rock Mountain. The dam pictured here was created by the hands of CCC in the late 1930's. Working with primarily hand tools, this dam was laid by hand, stacking rock some 50 or 60 feet tall and impounding what is presently Shores lake.

The White Rock trip has become an annual adventure for the members of the Most Secret Order of the Y Chromosome. Founded officially in the lodge atop White Rock Mountain on January 7th, 1996. Brent Upedgraff, David Stoppel, Peter Youngs, and myself have made more than 10 trips to the mountain. This past weeeked, keeping to traditions we assembled in a cabin for a man-only weekend.

We always have an enjoyable time, and this was no different. One of the members was able to smuggle some genuine Cuban cigars. They were wonderful and perhaps the best that many of the members had ever smoked.

A tradition during the annual meeting is a prime rib of beef. Slow roasted in the oven for hours, this roast is always delicous. Accompanied by salad with arugula, pears, and light basalmic dressing, and baked potatoes.

This year was very cold. With temperatures last night hovering around 12 degrees. We had some difficulty maintaining the temperature in the cabin above around 40 or 50 degrees-at times we could see our breath indoors. We survived and returned home safely this afternoon.